Occupancy Specialist

Occupancy Specialist

We are looking for an Occupancy Specialist to join our Easterseals NH team! The individual in this key position will be responsible for all occupancy related operations and assists with program and lease compliance of affordable housing properties, as assigned, in New Hampshire, while reporting to the Senior Vice President of Property Management.

As an Occupancy Specialist, you will respond in a "resident first" manner to all communication from residents including assisting residents in identifying supportive services internal and external to the agency to ensure they remain a resident in good standing, and build community amongst residents, set boundaries, address relations issues and requests and assist with conflict resolution as needed. Also, ensure all residents are meeting the requirements as outlined in their lease and lease addendums.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Maintain and audit property and resident files with a regular cadence to ensure compliance with agency, federal and state regulations. In addition, partner with Program Manager(s) and/or the SVP of Property Management to ensure that residents are recertifying annually at the prescribed cadence and in accordance with federal and state housing authority requirements.
• Respond to inquiries about the property and provide instruction and guidance to perspective residents during application process.
• Interviews and processes eligible households for rental assistance and affordable housing programs.
• Verifies income, assets, assisted dwelling information. Enter data into software to produce appropriate paperwork.
• Ensure that move-in files are documented in accordance with agency, federal and state requirements.
• Prepare necessary lease packages and supplemental documents for new move-ins, secure signatures to finalize agreements between residents and owner/agent and activate fobs.
• Complete housing tenancy packets from housing authorities.
• Update and maintain the waitlist and resident selection processes in compliance with the Affirmative Fair House Marketing Plan, Resident Selection Plan and Fair Housing Laws as well as any other regulations and in conjunction with move-in and move-out procedures.
• Process applicant waiting list mailings and correspondence, applicant move-ins, etc.
• Maintains applicant contact by phone, mail and in person. Assures that applicants are fulfilling their responsibility in providing accurate verification and timely submission of other necessary documents.
• Assists applicants to complete and sign all papers related to move in's, interims, and annual recertifications, explaining in terms they understand to ensure compliance with program rules. Completes all work according to established policies and procedures.
• Process move outs, deactivate fobs, and ensure that security deposits/security deposit disposition letters are sent within 20 days of the resident's move out.
• Fosters a positive, active, and collaborative relationship with residents, communities, and associated agencies.
• Preserves and respects applicant and resident confidentiality.
• Works patiently, professionally and cooperatively with residents and staff to provide high quality customer service while maintaining professional conduct and appearance at all times.
• Special projects as assigned by the Program Manager or SVP of Property Management.
• Complete ongoing training programs as required by the company, federal and state guidelines, and related to housing authority standards.
• Follow the Easterseals Rent Collection Procedures including overdue rent, demands for rent and eviction notices. If necessary, collaborate with Easterseals' legal team to provide information, be present in court proceedings and/or provide statements.
• Generate, maintain and complete various logs, reports and annual certifications as required by investors and regulatory agencies, in partnership with Program Manager(s) and/or the SVP of Property Management.
• Work closely with maintenance team members to monitor the building and grounds for cleanliness and general maintenance.
• Perform semi-annual unit inspections, with maintenance team members, and follow up on any maintenance and/or any decent, safe and sanitary concerns by sending letters to residents. Follow up as needed to confirm that service requests have been completed, and residents have responded to any letters.
• Communicate regularly with internal and external customers via phone, e-mail and/or in person.
• Develop and implement action plans to improve property revenue and minimize controllable expenses and ensure that the property performs at or exceeds annual budget.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent with three (3) to five (5) years of affordable housing management experience required, OR
• Bachelor's degree in related field with one (1) year of affordable housing management experience preferred
• Certified in one of the following CPM (Certified Property Manager), LIHTC (Low Income Housing Tax Credit), or COS (Certified Occupancy Specialist) or the ability to be certified within three (3) months of employment
• Knowledge of LIHTC, HOME, Section 8 and/or other affordable housing programs and regulations
• Familiarity and facility with the Microsoft Office suite of software including MS Word, Excel and Outlook
• Experience with Yardi Breeze Software (or similar property management software)
• Excellent written, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Hours: This is a part-time, 24-hour-per-week position. The schedule consists of three days per week, with flexibility regarding which days are worked. The role requires two days at the Franklin, NH Campus and one day in Manchester, NH.

Compensation: $26 hourly

What's in it for you? We offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time, eligible employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life & Disability
• PTO begins accruing on your first day!
• Up to 9 paid holidays annually, plus one floating holiday of your choice. For programs that remain open during holidays, staff scheduled to work will receive holiday pay in accordance with program guidelines.
• 403(b) employer match up to a maximum of 3%
• Tuition reimbursement after one year of employment
• Student loan repayment for qualifying degrees after one year of employment
• Wellness programs: nutritional counseling services, reimbursement programs for weight loss & tobacco cessation

We are proud to be a recovery-friendly workplace and a NH Veteran-Friendly Business.